Electric Field
The Strange Behaviour of Water
Date :
January 2015
Author :
Olivier Tardif-Paradis, Mathieu Riopel
College :
Cégep Garneau
Demonstrations :
Centre de démonstration en sciences physiques
Length :
2 hours
Related concept(s) :
Electric force, insulator, conductor, electric charges, charging by induction
 
The students have to develop an understanding of Lord Kelvin’s electrostatic generator. To do this, they must answer questions that will help guide them toward an understanding of the generator.
The first series of questions is accompanied by a demonstration of water’s reaction to the presence of static electricity. After answering these questions, the students will understand the concepts of electric charge and electric force.
The second series of questions is accompanied by a demonstration of a device called an electrophorus. After answering these questions, the students will understand the concepts of electrical conductors and insulators, as well as the principle of electric induction.
Finally, the last series of questions is about Kelvin’s electrostatic generator. The students will then be asked to explain how the generator works, using the following concepts: electric charge, electric dipole and electric induction